Former Senate President Pro Tem Hinton Mitchem has died

Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 1:21 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 1:21 p.m.

MONTGOMERY | Former Senate President Pro Tem Hinton Mitchem died today at his home in Vinemont.

Mitchem’s brother in law, Michael Corley, said Mitchem died shortly before noon. He was 74.

Corley said the cause of death was complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Funeral arrangements were pending.

Mitchem, D-Albertville, served in the Senate from 1978 to 2010 when he announced he would not seek reelection. He was succeeded by Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Guntersville.

Mitchem was elected pro tem in 2007 and in an agreement served two years when he was succeeded by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.

Mitchem served in the House from 1975 to 1978.

He is a former businessman in Albertville and Gulf Shores.

Mitchem is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he played collegiate baseball.

Moss Service Funeral Home in Cullman is handling the arrangements.

Mitchem is survived by his wife, Judy, and his children: Todd Mitchem; Derrick Mitchem and his wife, Heather; Tonya Grindon and her husband, Steve; and Brittnie Mabry; and four grandchildren, Ashleigh, Emma Grace and Henry Grindon and Derrick Hinton Mitchem.

<p>MONTGOMERY | Former Senate President Pro Tem Hinton Mitchem died today at his home in Vinemont.</p><p>Mitchem's brother in law, Michael Corley, said Mitchem died shortly before noon. He was 74.</p><p>Corley said the cause of death was complications from Alzheimer's disease. Funeral arrangements were pending.</p><p>Mitchem, D-Albertville, served in the Senate from 1978 to 2010 when he announced he would not seek reelection. He was succeeded by Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Guntersville.</p><p>Mitchem was elected pro tem in 2007 and in an agreement served two years when he was succeeded by Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham.</p><p>Mitchem served in the House from 1975 to 1978.</p><p>He is a former businessman in Albertville and Gulf Shores.</p><p>Mitchem is a graduate of the University of Georgia where he played collegiate baseball.</p><p>Moss Service Funeral Home in Cullman is handling the arrangements.</p><p>Mitchem is survived by his wife, Judy, and his children: Todd Mitchem; Derrick Mitchem and his wife, Heather; Tonya Grindon and her husband, Steve; and Brittnie Mabry; and four grandchildren, Ashleigh, Emma Grace and Henry Grindon and Derrick Hinton Mitchem.</p>